I was quite engrossed by A Fist or a Heart and I was particularly impressed with the handling of the changes in perspective, the roles and the life experiences. These segments could be viewed as if Elín was writing a novel about Ellen. In the forward plot there are also occasional glimpses of Ellen's life which often retell the story from the younger woman's point of view. During this time she is also re-examining her own life after being prompted by receiving several file boxes of her archives (one of which is labelled with the Icelandic title of the book Elín, miscellaneous).Įlín tells of her interactions with Ellen in the forward plot which is related to the production of a play and in the flashback plot she reminisces about her own earlier life, primarily about a work-related trip to Thailand which had an unexpected traumatic twist. This was quite a mysterious story with an older theatre/film props maker named Elín who becomes somewhat obsessed with a younger playwright named Ellen whom she once met earlier in life (the specific incident is not revealed until towards the end). Review of the Audible Audio English translation edition (2019) of the Icelandic original 'Elín, ýmislegt' (Elín, miscellaneous) (2017) Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: Elín, Miscellaneous

It’s quite literary and while it may not be for everyone because of that, A Fist or a Heart is a unique and indelible story. Overall, A Fist or a Heart is a slim narrative but one that is filled with feeling and beauty above all else. Then we have the characters who made me feel so much empathy I could cry when I reflect on the emotions in me brought out by them and their stories, sorrows, and strengths. The writing in itself is a loving, living, breathing work of art. It’s no wonder A Fist or a Heart has won literary accolades. The only thing is Elin is beginning to lose her connection with reality at the same time. These two have a connection, but only one remembers how.Įlin and Ellen have much in common, and they begin to share and find that connection. Elin’s interest is piqued by Ellen Alfsdottir, also a bit of a loner, as well as playwright and daughter of a writer. Imagine my surprise when I picked up A Fist or a Heart, now an award-winning novel set in Iceland.Įlin Jonsdottir, in her early seventies, is living a lonely life in Reykjavik. I recently read The Glass Woman, which was set in Iceland, and lamented wanting to read more books set in Iceland.

Hvítfeld by Kristín Eiríksdóttir